Welcome to our national Airplay page. Here you can find out more about what is is on offer for young people to get involved on a wider scale with Airplay whether that is online or in person.
Discover more
Airplay is delivered across the UK at 24 RAF Stations. But even if you are not at one of those Station you can join in with our regular virtual and national events.
Through Airplay Connect you will find virtual sessions around loads of different themes, from gaming to baking, courses, arts, fitness and everything in between. You might want to join our virtual youth forum or take part in a group discussion around a particular theme. Let us know your ideas through the contact page
We also run annual residentials and events for Airplay members to take a break away from home and meet other young people from across the project.
The Airplay Central Team are all experienced and qualified youth workers. We are 100% committed to making Airplay the best it can be!
Tom Cavalot
Head of Airplay
I joined Airplay way back in 2010
I spent a summer in the USA working in a Summer Camp when I was 20 after finishing my degree and that helped me realise that working with young people was what I really wanted to do as a career. Since then I’ve worked for over 20 years across all sorts of roles supporting young people to belong, contribute and thrive and I’ve been lucky enough to do that for 12 years with Airplay!
I love football, gaming, movies and biking. I have two kids who also keep me pretty busy
Soooo many! One of my favourite ones was taking a group of Airplay young people camping in the Deployed Operational Training Area at Cosford. Learning about life for serving personnel, when they are on operations, alongside a group of service children was a really insightful and eye opening experience that I wont forget in a hurry.
Carol Atkinson
Airplay Programme Coordinator
I joined Airplay right back when the project started in 2010.
I worked in a village youth club as an administrator and when a member of staff was off work poorly, I filled in…and didn’t stop!
I worked on a youth website and for the local council as a Youth Worker whilst completing my degree, and then started working at Airplay Wittering.
I am really active and love running, cycling and water sports activities; anything where I can feel challenged!
When I was based at Airplay Wittering we took almost 30 young people to YHA Sheringham for a seaside holiday! Everyone learnt about each other, some learnt something about themselves, and everyone had a fantastic time!
Lauren Baxendale
Airplay Programme Coordinator
I joined Airplay in 2012.
Having studied textile design at university, my youth work career was kickstarted by working with young people in youth clubs, schools and colleges on local arts and crafts initiatives. I enjoyed it so much that youth work soon became my full-time job.
I am passionate about getting to know young people and helping them to explore their aspirations. In my spare time, I enjoy keeping active by walking, cycling, and playing badminton. I also love coffee and cake with friends.
When I was based at Airplay Shawbury, I loved taking young people on water sports activity days. The summer of 2015 was particularly memorable as we were blessed with the most amazing weather.
We want Airplay to be a project that is shaped by you!
The Airplay Annual Youth Forum brings together young people from across Airplay to discuss what matters to them. This is also where they can help to steer the Airplay project by taking their ideas and thoughts directly to the RAF Benevolent Fund, YMCA and RAF. Over the years this has brought about real change, Airplay Connect and the annual residential were brought about as a direct result of this group. Check out one of our Youth Forum’s here
Our Special Projects Fund is a pot of extra money that young people can bid for to run projects at their clubs around things that matter to them. Each year members vote on the themes they want the money to be used for. 2022 has been all about the environment, health and well being and improving our area. Already this year the youth forums have allocated over £7000 to 13 Special Projects at 13 Airplay sites!
Check out the gallery to see what has been happening at Airplay
A picture tells a 1000 words!
Next time you are doing something awesome at Airplay, ask a youth worker to take a snap. Say ‘Cheese’!
